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What is DIR Floortime?

Try using DIR Floortime with your children at home! It can be used with children of any ages, and it’s a great way to enjoy play-time with your child while developing a relationship with them and teaching them new things.

Developmental

Individual Differences

Relational

6-8 sessions per day

20 or more uninterrupted minutes for each session

Integrates principles from the D, I, and R in DIR                                          

This approach focuses on engaging and relating with your child and to build relationships and communication. Your child needs to be calm and focused before he is ready to interact and learn with you, so try to make sure he is in a comfortable environment and his sensory needs are being attended to.

The goal of DIR Floortime is to move into a shared world with your child! When your child is engaged and interacting with you, this motivates him to communicate with you.

Move into a shared world with your child by watching and waiting to see what interests him. Once he finds an object activity in which he is interested, encourage your child to expand on this interest. Wait for a response from your child, and keep the interaction going! These interactions are called “Circles of Communications.” Try to get as many circles of communications going as you can! For example, if your child is interested in pretending to cook, encourage them to make you something to eat as well! Wait and encourage him to respond, and once he does, keep watching to see what he is interested in next.

Make sure you use plenty of affect when playing with your child! This means to use various facial expressions, gestures, and intonation to make play interesting and fun! This encourages him to get involved in play. Lastly, the most important aspect of DIR Floortime is to have fun while working on building language!